FARMING MATTERS: Farming life
after Brexit

Heather Jan Brunt

I have been asked by many people to comment on Brexit, and I really would love to. But I write this column some time ahead of publication and with things on the political landscape changing on a daily basis ever since the EU referendum result, it is hard to write with any confidence, as things could change before this is published.

Speaking generally however, what I can say is that whilst fully respecting differing opinions on the subject I was surprised and personally relieved by the result, and I look forward to the future when farmers will no longer be so tightly regulated with many pointless rules and regulations coming our way from Brussels.

Some regulation is obviously necessary and important for all industries, but the amount of red tape and the petty and often incomprehensible rules that British farmers have been subjected to has been ridiculous.

Since the result came through I have been inundated with emails from the National Farmers Union press office with updates on how the officials are dealing with the result.

Until Article 50 discussions are completed, British farmers will still need to comply will all existing EU legislation. And focus is also being given to developing a new domestic agricultural policy adapted to the needs of British farmers in an independent UK.